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"We look at all of Scripture to see what Scripture testifies of itself. You look to your church to interpret what Scripture means. There is the difference"

You say "your church" as if it is just a building that made the interpretations. They are men, who after much study and debate, etc., came to a conclusion and defined our doctrine. They did this through prayer and with the Holy Spirit. How is this any different from what you are doing? Now, as I read the Scriptures, I can go to the Church Fathers for help in defining. I also read threads like this and various other things to see how others have interpreted them. I don't have to re-invent the wheel, so-to-speak. From your post, I feel like you are accusing Catholics of not being able to read Scriptures for themselves. There is no priest staning over me while I read, slapping me in the head saying, "No, you must see it THIS way!"

Protestants have also read and interpreted Scripture in a way that has caused them to form congregations....thousands of them, based on their own personal beliefs. What makes a person decide to go to a Methodist church instead of one of the Baptist churches? If the Bible were so easy for an individual person to read and interpret, why are there so many brands of Christianity?

Maybe I shouldn't be offended by your words. I'm a little touchy. Scripture tells us when there is conflict that the Church has final authority. Why wouldn't I look to the Church for answers? Again, this is after I've read differing views and prayed and tried to determine myself. I have a brain that functions fairly well most days.

You say "your church" as if it is just a building that made the interpretations. They are men, who after much study and debate, etc., came to a conclusion and defined our doctrine. They did this through prayer and with the Holy Spirit. How is this any different from what you are doing?

The "Church" I am referring to is not a building. In terms of Catholicism, it is a hierarchical structure centered in Rome. This structure has defined doctrine for Catholics since the 300s (prior to this, Roman primacy was not a certain matter, and a strong argument can be made that it does not have strong support even today). To be considered good Christians, a person must agree with the church on the doctrines the church defines. One is not permitted to come up with any contrary opinion on doctrine from that of the church than that which the church set up (See the Council of Trent concerning this). For years, you weren't even permitted to print something contrary to the official doctrine of the church. (Trent) Such though flies directly in the face of Scripture. Paul did not hesitate to challenge Peter when Peter was wrong on an issue. And Paul was thrilled to have the Bereans checking what He said in comparison to the record of Scripture.

NEVER in Scripture is it said that you should take what your church leadership says blindly without checking it out yourself to make sure that they are on base - for you see, we are ALL human beings(including Church leadership) We make mistakes, we have faulty understanding, and frankly a lot are wolves and not of Christ's fold. The Scriptural principle is to test the spirits to see if they are from God.( 1 John 4:1Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.)

How do we do this? Not by looking to other humans. The only sure way is by going to God's Word. By being grounded in the Word of God we will not fall to deceivers. This is something that God has warned against since the beginning of time. We should take heed and listen to it.

Jeremiah 29:8For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed.9 They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them," declares the LORD.

1 Timothy 4 Instructions to Timothy 1The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.

2 Peter 2: 1But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

Mark 13:22For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect—if that were possible. 23So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.

Matthew 7:13Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Christ left us His Word as our Guide. Repeatedly, we are told to search the Scriptures. Repeatedly we are warned that deceivers will come so they must be tested to see if they are genuine. The way we do this is through Scripture.

If what the Catholic church teaches came strictly from men of God getting together in prayer and being led by the Holy Spirit in the matters of Scripture - why is it that the doctrine of Sola Scriptura is so detestable to the Catholic church? If the doctrines came from Scripture - we should all be able to find them there and everyone should be happy. Either these people are puffed up in themselves to believe that they are the ONLY ones that God can lead through His Word, or a great many of the doctrines do not originate from His Word at all. When such doctrines are held up as the be all and end all of whether or not you are in good standing with God- especially when those doctrines contradict Scripture - there is a problem.

Samiam. I do not want you to believe a word I say on my own. I don't want you to believe a word anyone says. I encourage you to test what is said with Scripture and see if these things are so.